IFCC eNews: June 2026

• How long have you been associated with IFCC?

I began volunteering with the IFCC after joining Siemens Healthineers Diagnostics. Prior to this, I served as a clinical laboratory medical director within a U.S. healthcare system before transitioning to an industry role in Medical Affairs.

In February 2017, I was appointed as the corresponding member to the IFCC C-CB representing Siemens Healthineers, a role I have continued to hold. Additionally, from 2019 to 2021, I served as a corresponding member of the IFCC Task Force for Corporate Members, contributing to initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration between industry partners and the IFCC.

• What inspires you to get more involved?

Working with the C-CB has provided me with the opportunity to remain engaged in a clinical area that I am deeply passionate about—an involvement I actively choose and find highly rewarding. I have long valued mentoring and teaching, and participating in a committee with a strong educational focus allows me to continue contributing in these areas, offering both personal and professional fulfillment.

As my work has shifted toward a predominantly remote setting since the pandemic, involvement in an active committee that convenes both virtually and in person has become even more meaningful. It offers a valuable avenue to maintain live, collaborative engagement with a network of distinguished colleagues.

The C-CB is united by a shared commitment to advancing education, responding both proactively and reactively to emerging needs in the field. This dynamic environment is particularly fulfilling, as it not only provides opportunities for meaningful contribution but also enables continuous learning from experts at the forefront of cardiac biomarker science and evolving clinical practice.

Importantly, the committee fosters an inclusive and collaborative culture, actively encouraging participation from industry members. This approach ensures that we feel welcomed, engaged, and empowered to contribute our perspectives and expertise in ways that meaningfully support the committee’s mission.

• What do you like most about your involvement with IFCC?

I greatly value the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships with fellow industry members—connections that might not otherwise develop in the course of our day-to-day work. This engagement enables meaningful networking with peers in similar roles across different organizations and creates unique opportunities for collaboration, even among companies that are typically seen as competitors.

One example of this collaboration is a recent initiative that Tricia Ravalico and I co-led, in which we gathered customer questions from industry corresponding members and brought them to the committee for consideration. In response to this input, the committee developed a Frequently Asked Questions series. We coordinated with participating companies to compile and prioritize the questions, which were then addressed by committee experts. This effort resulted in the creation of multiple new educational resources that can be used to support physician and laboratory education, both directly and through manufacturers’ scientific and medical teams.

I also greatly appreciate the opportunity to engage with experts from outside my home country, where I have trained and worked. This exposure broadens my perspective and enables me to think more globally—an increasingly important skill, particularly in the context of working for a global organization that must consider diverse clinical practices and customer needs across many regions. Learning from, and connecting with, a diverse community of experts is both professionally enriching and personally rewarding, and I value the mutual exchange of knowledge and experience that these interactions provide.

• What advice do you have for other Corporate Members?

Be confident in the unique and valuable perspective you bring to a committee, and do not hesitate to speak up in advocating for our customers. Opportunities to collaborate with both fellow industry members and leading experts in laboratory medicine are both uncommon and impactful, offering significant value for professional growth as well as personal fulfillment.

• Is there anything else you would like to add before we close this interview?

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly recognize the members of the C-CB committee and express my sincere appreciation for their collaboration with industry partners. It is a privilege to be associated with such a highly productive and dedicated group. I am continually impressed by the breadth and quality of educational work the committee delivers alongside their day-to-day responsibilities. I would strongly encourage others to take advantage of the many valuable resources developed by the C-CB, which provide meaningful support for both clinical practice and laboratory education. I believe we can all benefit from adopting a more global perspective and sharing knowledge more broadly, with the shared goal of advancing laboratory medicine and improving patient care.

Laboratory medicine is undergoing  transformational change, from a diagnostic service to a strategic driver of improved healthcare outcomes. In the context of global public health challenges, including infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and rising chronic disease burden, this evolution is particularly significant. The UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence program offers powerful real-world examples of how laboratory-enabled best practices significantly improving patient and population level health outcomes.

Many UNIVANTS-recognized best practices demonstrate this broader impact, shaping clinical pathways and healthcare delivery overall. For example, several laboratory-guided initiatives have been instrumental in improving antimicrobial use. A strong example originates from Cleveland, Ohio, where a team from University Hospitals Cleveland implemented molecular susceptibility testing to detect resistance related mutations of helicobacter pylori (H.pylori). Recognizing that the World Health Organization denoted H. pylori as one of the top 10 antibiotic-resistant pathogens of concern, this team sought to personalize antibiotic use, through lab-guided susceptibility testing. This intervention enabled a 30% and 55% reduction in rates of inappropriate antibiotic treatment and no treatment, respectively. Thus, mitigated antibiotic resistance and underscoring the value of genetic testing and multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing antimicrobial stewardship and effectively treating H. pylori. To learn more about this initiative, please visit here.

Additional examples exist in which laboratory medicine has reshaped clinical pathways include reflex testing strategies and algorithm-based programs that help identify previously unbeknownst diseases. A strong example includes the intelligent liver function testing pathway (iLFT) from Dundee, Scotland. Recognizing that many patients who had end-stage liver disease had early warning signs that could have potentially changed the disease outcomes, this multi-disciplinary team implemented a reflexive testing pathway to ensure appropriate investigations and follow-up, when necessary. Through their novel approach, 43% more patients were diagnosed with liver disease, enabling early intervention and follow-up. Impressively, use of iLFT increased the likelihood that a liver dysfunction diagnosis was appropriate by 52% (93% of diagnoses using iLFT were appropriate, compared with 41% using standard practice). Additionally, iLFT proved to be cost-effective with a low initial incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £284 (~$375 USD) per correct diagnosis. To learn more about this integrated clinical care initiative, please visit here.

Lastly, several programs have focused on expanding access to testing by embedding laboratory strategies into routine care pathways. For example, in Croydon, England, there was the highest rates of late HIV diagnosis in London, marked by low testing and lack of clinical expertise outside of sexual health clinics. Accordingly, a multi-disciplinary team at Croydon University Hospital implemented an opt-out HIV testing program in its emergency department, enabling a 97% testing rate for over 18 months, thereby setting an international gold standard. Since initiation the number of HIV diagnoses have tripled, while decreasing patient length of stay for newly diagnosed patients by 33 days. Additionally intensive treatment unit (ITU) admissions fell from 15% to 0%, and mortality decreased from 23% to 0%. To learn more, please visit, here.

While many more best practice examples from UNIVANTS exist, the few examples highlight the criticality of turning laboratory data and insights into action, utilizing automated reflexive testing and the need for data driven clinical pathways. Additionally, the outcomes highlighted throughout UNIVANTS offer several lessons for laboratorians worldwide:

• Focus on outcomes, not just outputs: Align testing strategies with clinical and public health goals
• Adopt a population health perspective: Consider how laboratory interventions impact broader communities
• Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration: Break down silos across healthcare systems
• Invest in data integration: Ensure laboratory insights are accessible and actionable

To learn more about UNIVANTS and UNVIANTS-recognized best practices, please visit www.UnivantsHCE.com.

by Hideo Sakamoto, Ph.D. International Exchange Committee of JSCC

Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC) Technology Award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding technological advances in clinical chemistry. In 2025, Hikaru Takizawa, M.S., won the JSCC Technology Award. At the 65th Annual Meeting of the JSCC in Nagoya, Japan, held November 7 to 9, 2025, the award winner, Mr. Takizawa, was congratulated by Dr. Takashi Miida, President of JSCC, for his outstanding work in clinical chemistry.

We JSCC proudly introduce the 2025 JSCC Technology Award winner in this issue and distribute his outstanding work.

Hikaru Takizawa, M.S., of the Medical Systems Design 4th Department at HITACHI HIGH-TECH CO., LTD., received the 2025 JSCC Technology Award for “Development of a Washing Function for Sample Probes Using Heated Detergent.”

Maintenance of sample probes in clinical chemistry automatic analyzers is a critical task to prevent deterioration of dispensing accuracy caused by the accumulation of contaminants. With their conventional instruments, the recommended manual wiping method for maintenance posed challenges, including labor intensity and variability in cleaning effectiveness due to differences in operator skill.

To address these challenges, he developed “A Washing Function for Sample Probes Using Heated Detergent” and implemented it in LABOSPECT 006 α, which was launched in August 2024. This function employs heated alkaline detergent to clean probes, targeting protein and lipid contaminants, which are major components derived from samples. By controlling the detergent temperature to an appropriate level for removing proteins and lipids during cleaning and adjusting the cleaning area based on the extent of sample adhesion, he achieved a cleaning performance comparable to manual wiping.

This approach enabled a reduction in the frequency of manual cleaning of sample probes. Furthermore, ensuring cleaning performance irrespective of operator skill is expected to enhance the reliability of measurement results.

They remain committed to addressing challenges and needs in clinical practice and contributing to the advancement of healthcare by providing high-value products.

By Dr. Fatima Kanani
Section Head Chemical Pathology, Indus University Hospital
IFCC GMLW National Representative for Pakistan Society of Chemical Pathology

This year, just as the laboratory professionals were honoured around the globe, the clinical laboratory fraternity in Pakistan kept up the tradition of celebrating the IFCC Global MedLab week (IFCC-GMLW) with increasing enthusiasm and fervour.

The Pathology Department of Lahore Medical and Dental College (LMDC) celebrated Medical Laboratory Professionals Week 2026 on April 21st with a festive lab decoration themed “A Day at the Lab.” MLT students participated in a comprehensive hands-on workshop titled “Mastering Hands-on Skills in Pathology,” covering essential pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical procedures. The event focused on bridging the gap between theory and practice through training in instrumentation, microscopy, and infection control. The celebration concluded with the Principal Professor Dr. Naeem Naqi distributing certificates and awards to students and facilitators for their technical excellence.

The IFCC Global MedLab week was celebrated at Chughtai Lab, Lahore, under the theme “Lab Story: To Infinity and Beyond for Our Patients.” The event was attended by approximately 120 members and guests. The program featured leadership talks, interactive sessions, real-life laboratory experiences, and an awards distribution ceremony recognizing outstanding professional contributions. Awards presented during the ceremony included the Accuracy Excellence Award, Quality Guardian Award, Silent Saver Award, Night Shift Hero Award, and Patient Care Champion Award. The celebration highlighted the dedication and essential role of laboratory professionals in maintaining excellence in diagnostic services and patient care.

Pathology Lab Week was celebrated by Pathology Lab, Doctors Hospital and Medical Centre, Lahore. An enlightening talk was delivered by Professor Dilawer followed by an interactive discussion on challenges faced by technologists and pathologists.

Advanced Diagnostic Centre, Islamabad, had an open day where clinicians were invited to visit the laboratory and observe processes and quality assurance measures. The opportunity was taken to recognize the dedication of lab staff by distributing certificates of appreciation, acknowledging them as silent heroes of healthcare.

As a part of the IFCC Global MedLab Week activities, the laboratory at Quaid e Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, participated by recording a video for the MedLab Week titled “A Day in the Lab”. Dr. Asma Shahbaz, Post Graduate resident, played a key role in the coordination of the activities.

During the IFCC GLMW the Chemical Pathology team of Dow Diagnostic Research and Reference Laboratory of Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, celebrated and acknowledged each other’s efforts and contributions. A gathering was held where staff shared their appreciation and reflected on the importance of their work. The focus remained on recognizing dedication, teamwork, and the critical role of the laboratory in patient care. This served as a meaningful reminder of the value of our profession.

Lab week was also celebrated at The Kidney Centre Postgraduate Training Institute, Karachi. Its aim was to highlight how laboratory testing supports diagnosis, treatment, disease monitoring, and patient safety. Pathologists, medical laboratory technologists, technicians, and support staff were honoured for their work behind accurate, timely and reliable lab results.

Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, conducted a CME focussing on holistic approach to patient reporting and inter disciplinary coordination, entitled “Clinical context matters: A holistic approach to laboratory test interpretation”. It was well attended by trainees from all Pathology specialties as well as medical technologists. The participants took keen interest in the hands-on activities.

Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, also celebrated the Lab Week and proudly recognized the invaluable contribution of their laboratory professionals who ensure quality, reliability, and excellence every day. It was emphasized that behind every accurate diagnosis is a dedicated laboratory team working with precision, professionalism, and commitment to patient care.

At Alkhidmat Diagnostics, Karachi, Lab Week was celebrated with energy, teamwork, and a shared passion for quality diagnostics. This year, they created two special videos for IFCC to highlight the dedication, hard work, and behind-the-scenes efforts of the laboratory professionals who play a vital role in patient care every single day.

A successful CME was hosted by Abbott Diagnostics during the lab week, in association with Pakistan Society of Chemical Pathology in Karachi, bringing together Laboratory Professionals from various laboratories. The aim was to advance diagnostic excellence encompassing talks on clinical chemistry, haematology, transfusion medicine and microbiology.

Overall, we saw increasing effort by the laboratory community in Pakistan to get their services recognized and appreciated during the IFCC Global MedLab Week, held in line with the IFCC’s initiative.

By Andrea Machado-Sulbarán PhD, University of Guadalajara and Member of CMCLabC; Francisco Josué Carrillo-Ballesteros PhD Core Member IFCC TF-YS and Chair YS-WG CMCLabC; and Jorge Hernández-Bello PhD Corresponding Member of Mexico IFCC TF-YS and YS-WG COLABIOCLI.

As part of the activities of the new Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine offered at the Health Sciences University Center (CUCS) of the University of Guadalajara, the event entitled “Second Week of Laboratory Medicine in Mexico” was organized in commemoration of the IFCC Global MedLab Week, in collaboration with the Young Scientists Working Group of the Mexican Society of Clinical Laboratory Sciences A.C. (CMCLabC) and the Young Scientists Working Group of the Latin American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI).

This initiative highlights the importance of fostering students’ interest and motivation from the beginning of their academic training, while also promoting awareness of the national and international organizations that regulate professional education and practice. Clinical laboratory science is a rapidly evolving field driven by scientific and technological advances; therefore, continuous education and constant updates in analytical methodologies and result interpretation are essential to effectively meet clinical demands.

The main objective of this event is to emphasize the essential role of laboratory professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases, while positioning the new Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Sciences as an innovative academic program aligned with international standards. Specific objectives include strengthening the professional identity and pride of Clinical Biochemists, increasing the visibility of the new academic program as part of the IFCC global network, promoting social recognition of laboratory professionals, establishing this Global Week as an annual tradition in Mexico, and encouraging activities that integrate the academic community with national and international professional organizations and private companies.

The first edition of this event took place in April 2025 and included the keynote lecture “The Role of Clinical Laboratory Professionals in the Knowledge Era”. The Academic and Scientific Symposium “Innovation, Quality, and Humanism in the Clinical Laboratory” addressed topics such as “Laboratory Medicine and Biomarkers” and “Artificial Intelligence and Process Automation in the Clinical Laboratory”. Interactive activities were also conducted, including a high-fidelity hospital simulation practice for blood gas sample collection at the CUCS Simulation Building, as well as visits to laboratories providing external diagnostic services for pathological and emerging diseases.

The second edition was held in April 2026 and featured lectures on obesity diagnosis through biomarkers, hematological testing, neonatal screening, sexually transmitted viral infections, bacteriological diagnosis, and stem cell therapy and transplantation. In addition, two theoretical-practical workshops were offered on “Interpretation of Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFI) ANA Patterns by ICAP” and a clinical cases resolution workshop with participation from young scientists members of CMCLabC and COLABIOCLI as student mentors.

This initiative promotes dialogue among laboratory professionals, physicians, researchers, healthcare managers, and students in order to strengthen collaboration networks and foster a culture of quality, innovation, and recognition for this critical area of modern medicine. Today more than ever, laboratory medicine continues to evolve through technological advances, innovative methodologies, and continuous professional development, enabling more accurate diagnoses and improved patient care.

Reported by Lejla Alić, Executive Committee Member, EFLM Division Communication

The EFLM Strategic Plan 2026–2027 represents a unique milestone for the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM). This roadmap holds particular significance as it was co-authored and signed by the past, current, and future EFLM Presidents, representing EFLM’s vision for the coming years. At its core, the plan highlights the value-based laboratory medicine. EFLM’s priorities are clear: improving education, strengthening collaboration with regional and international partners, shaping European health policy, and establishing structured, transferable laboratory data as a clinical standard. Prof. Tomáš Zima’s summary of the Strategic Plan can be found here.

EFLM’s influence continues to grow on the world stage. EFLM is proud to announce that Prof. Tomáš Zima, current President of the EFLM, has been elected as a representative to the IFCC Executive Board for a mandate running through 2029. This appointment ensures the European laboratory medicine community remains a powerful voice in international decision-making. In spirit of global collaboration, EFLM has been invited to host a dedicated symposium, “New Trends in Laboratory Medicine”, at the National Congress in Azerbaijan this May.

To support the next generation of breakthroughs, EFLM awards an annual EFLM Research Grant of €10,000. This year, the grant has been awarded to two innovative projects that exemplify the future of clinical advancement: William van Doorn (Netherlands), who is researching AI-supported generation of interpretative comments for anemia diagnostics, and Marija Sarić Matutinović (Serbia), who is investigating the clinical utility of pro-resolving mediators in autoimmune thyroid diseases.

EFLM’s internal structures are evolving to meet modern challenges. A new functional unit, Endocrine Laboratory Medicine, chaired by Prof. Dr. Annemieke Heijboer, has been formed to foster deeper collaboration among endocrine specialists. The EFLM Committee on Harmonization is advocating for an urgent, collaborative shift toward harmonized laboratory reporting to ensure patient safety and facilitate the mandatory data exchange required by the upcoming European Health Data Space. EFLM is also proud to release the updated Biological Variation Database. With a refreshed interface and enhanced accessibility, it now offers over 3,250 quality-assessed datasets. Simultaneously, EFLM’s commitment to the environment remains constant; EFLM’s Green and Sustainable Laboratories initiative continues to gain momentum, with four new laboratories recently achieving certification and two successfully renewing theirs.

The impressions from the EFLM Strategic Conference 2026, held in Prague on April 24-25, are still settling. This event served as the primary forum for translating EFLM’s strategic vision into actionable initiatives. Just a day prior, a dedicated networking event for Young Scientists, supported by Beckman-Coulter in Czechia, focused on supporting early-career development. Detailed reports from both events will be featured in the upcoming issues of IFCC eNews and EuroLabNews.

The EFLM e-learning platform offers many webinars, including recorded and upcoming sessions covering bone turnover markers and the use of the neurofilament light chain as a novel biomarker in multiple sclerosis. For full, free access to these webinars and EFLM’s extensive library of online resources, EFLM invites you to join the EFLM Academy today and join a community dedicated to excellence. Moreover, please check the event list organized or under auspices of EFLM here.

Finally, save the date for EuroMedLab 2027 in London, where the global community will meet again to share new research and build the connections that move the field of Laboratory Medicine forward.

The Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEMEDLAB) held its 3rd R4 Residents’ Conference: Management and Leadership in Laboratory Medicine, on April 16th and 17th in Girona. The conference aimed to strengthen the skills and competencies of the next generation of Clinical Laboratory professionals through a practical and strategic approach.

According to SEMEDLAB President Dr. Pastora Rodríguez, the 55 residents in attendance were able to acquire leadership skills applied to the Laboratory Medicine environment, with an emphasis on strategic decision-making, team management, and conflict resolution, thanks to 15 speakers. “It is our mission as a Society to support residents during this period of transition and uncertainty. Therefore, we complement their training in areas such as organizational management, resource management, performance evaluation, and continuous improvement in clinical laboratory services,” Dr. Rodríguez emphasized.

The training sessions, organized by the SEMEDLAB Board of Directors and the Training Committee, aim to foster the analytical and strategic thinking of residents in more clinical contexts, as well as to promote the development of professional networks among young physicians, healthcare professionals, and experts in the field, facilitating the exchange of experiences and knowledge.

With speakers such as Dr. Ramiro Torrado, a specialist in Clinical Biochemistry at Getafe Hospital, the meeting addressed a key idea: the laboratory is not a results factory, but a key player in the real clinical impact on the patient. “The session was an opportunity for residents to understand that the value of Laboratory Medicine is not just validating numbers, but helping colleagues in diagnostic and therapeutic decisions and preventing clinical errors,” Dr. Torrado emphasized.

Within the framework of the session, “The First Year as an Attending Physician: Expectations, Reality, and Communication with Clinicians,” theoretical and practical resources were provided so that physicians can face real-life situations in the day-to-day work of an attending physician. It was designed to “work with residents on analytical and strategic thinking in more clinical contexts, as well as foster leadership applied to teams and decision-making,” commented Dr. Torrado.

The new generations of clinical laboratory professionals face a future marked by the widespread adoption of clinical decision support programs and the progressive growth of knowledge in areas related to genetics and genomics. “Young physicians will lead precision medicine from the laboratory, collaborate with industry for co-creation and innovation, and strengthen the value and prestige of the clinical laboratory,” stated the president of SEMEDLAB.

From the 2nd Conference of the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEMEDLAB), held in person on February 19th and 20th in Alicante:

• Collaboration between the different areas of the laboratory, as well as with other specialists such as endocrinology, surgery, nuclear medicine, and primary care, is essential for clinical decision-making.
• The use of highly sensitive and specific analytical methods, the detection of interferences, and the optimization of response times are essential to ensure a rapid, reliable, and safe diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction.
• Deficiency and excess of thyroid hormones can have significant health consequences, affecting metabolic balance and the overall functioning of the body.

The evaluation and management of thyroid dysfunction have undergone significant changes in the last year due to the emergence of new scientific evidence, the updating of international clinical guidelines in 2025, and improvements to the analytical techniques available in laboratories. Laboratory medicine plays a key role in thyroid management, both in initial diagnosis and follow-up, prognostic stratification, and evaluation of treatment response.

The Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEMEDLAB), as part of its Scientific Committee Conference held on February 19 and 20 in Alicante, offered the course “Advances in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Thyroid Dysfunction.” The course aimed to ensure that professional practice is aligned with the latest diagnostic, methodological, and technological advancements, improving the quality of clinical laboratory services and the management of patients with thyroid disease through more personalized medicine.

As highlighted by Dr. Roser Ferrer, co-organizer and president of the SEMEDLAB Endocrinology Committee, the course underscored the need for a multidisciplinary approach to thyroid dysfunction. According to Dr. Ferrer, “collaboration between the different areas of the laboratory—clinical biochemistry, genetics, and pathology—as well as with the various clinical services (endocrinology, pediatrics, oncology, gynecology), is essential for the correct interpretation of results and for more precise diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making, always for the benefit of the patient.”

The thyroid gland, essential for metabolic balance
The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating critical functions in almost all systems of the human body, including metabolism, growth, and development. In Dr. Ferrer’s words, both a deficiency (hypothyroidism) and an excess (hyperthyroidism) of thyroid hormones can affect metabolic balance and the overall functioning of the body. Furthermore, thyroid cancer accounts for 1–3% of all cancers, but it is the most common endocrine tumor.

According to Dr. Álvaro González Hernández, co-organizer of the course and member of the SEMEDLAB Oncology Commission, the Clinical Laboratory plays an essential role in thyroid management. “The Clinical Laboratory assists in functional diagnosis with TSH and free T4 (with or without free T3), hormones produced by the thyroid gland, following algorithms that maximize efficiency and avoid excessive and unnecessary testing.”

Furthermore, the clinical laboratory determines autoantibodies to identify autoimmune etiologies and performs neonatal screening by measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to detect congenital hypothyroidism. “It is important to note that the interpretation of results must consider the possibility of interferences, other alterations such as non-thyroidal disease, and specific reference ranges (age, pregnancy) that influence clinical decisions.” In thyroid cancer follow-up, the Clinical Laboratory monitors treatment response by measuring thyroglobulin and antithyroglobulin antibodies, which helps in clinical decision-making.

Currently, laboratory tests can detect more subtle or rare hormonal alterations, including the syndrome of inappropriate thyroid hormone secretion (SITS). This is a rare disorder in which TSH is not adequately suppressed despite elevated concentrations of thyroid hormones. According to Dr. Ferrer, the laboratory “has highly sensitive immunoassays, reliable measurements of free hormones (free T4 and free T3), and complementary tests that help differentiate this syndrome from other more common causes of hyperthyroidism.” “Furthermore, the laboratory can perform dynamic hormonal studies when necessary.¨

Dr. Ferrer presented analytical interferences as one of the main challenges in thyroid management from a clinical laboratory perspective. According to the expert, analytical interferences, such as biotin, certain medications, heterophile antibodies, autoantibodies, or alterations in transport proteins, “can produce falsely elevated or decreased results and lead to diagnostic errors.” She also emphasized the use of highly sensitive and specific analytical methods and the optimization of turnaround times “in order to ensure a rapid, reliable, and accurate diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction.”